Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Today was a huge day in Boston sports. The Red Sox acquired reliever Eric Gagne from the Rangers in exchange for Kason Gabbard and two minor league outfielders. In maybe their biggest deal since the Joe Barry Carroll for Kevin McHale and Robert Parrish trade, the Celtics traded five players (including Al Jefferson) to Minnesota for Kevin Garnett.

Let's talk about the Garnett deal first. This instantly puts Boston back in contention for an NBA title, at least for the next 2-3 years. With a core of Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Garnett, the Celtics have got a very good chance of at least getting to the finals of the weak Eastern Conference, and potentially to the NBA Finals.

Did they give up some talent? Absolutely. Al Jefferson has the makings of a future All-Star and Gerald Green certainly has the physical skills to be a very good player. Of the other players they gave up, Ryan Gomes is basically a nice guy to have on your bench; Theo Ratliffe was injured most of last year and didn't add much. And owner Wyc Grousbeck had already committed to getting rid of Sebastian Telfair.

The Celtics just became relevant again. It'll make that period between the Super Bowl and Opening Day a lot less tedious.

The addition of Gagne gives the Red Sox the best bullpen in baseball. Timlin, Delcarmen, Gagne, Okajima and Papelbon are going to make it very difficult for any team that finds itself behind the Sox after 6 innings. Gabbard has been pretty good for the Sox the last month or so, but with Schilling coming back soon either he or Jon Lester were going to find themselves back in Pawtucket. I think Theo did a good job of balancing the need to help the team now with not giving up too much of the future.